| Low-cost alternatives to a face-lift |
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Chemical
peels. Chemical peels use a chemical solution to improve
and smooth the texture of the skin. Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) such
as glycolic, lactic or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas
and can provide smoother, brighter looking skin and improve the
effects of sun damage. A series of AHA peels may be required to
achieve maximum results.
Trichloroacetic acid is a medium-depth peel to smooth out fine wrinkles,
remove superficial blemishes and correct pigment problems. Treatment
may only take 15 minutes and healing is usually quick, much quicker
than with a phenol peel.
The strongest of the chemical solutions is the phenol
peel which can smooth out coarse wrinkles and correct blotches.
The results are dramatic and long lasting, but recovery may be slower
than with the medium and lighter peels.
"The deeper the peel, the more down time there
is," notes Dr. Silver.
Cost: The national average cost of a chemical peel
is just over $600, according to the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons.
Soft tissue
fillers. As we age, the underlying tissues that keep our
skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down, leaving
lines and creases. Soft tissue fillers injected just beneath the
skin can help banish wrinkles and fill in the lines and creases,
restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance. Until recently,
only collagen and botox were used to fill out deep facial wrinkles
and sunken cheeks. The results were short lived. But now surgeons
have some new weapons in their arsenal that are safer and longer
lasting than ever before.
Radiance, Restylane, Perlane, Hylaform and Artefill
are just a few of the new injectable soft-tissue fillers that are
being used to make you look as young as you feel.
Radiance is made from calcium hydroxylapatite, a substance
found in bone and teeth. It's mixed with a gel and injected as tiny
"microspheres." It triggers the body's production of collagen
to fill out cheeks, lips and wrinkles. The effects may last three
to five years. Over time it breaks down into calcium and phosphorus.
But there is little risk of an allergic reaction, says Dr. Tzikas.
The only potential problem with Radiance, says Dr.
Tzikas, is the possible formation of little bumps on the inside
of the lips, which can be easily taken care of.
Cost: The national average cost is $1,000 per injection.
Restylane and Perlane are made from non-animal based
hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of connective
tissue, including skin. Because it's natural, allergic reactions
are rare. Results from either Restylane or Perlane are seen immediately
and last six to nine months, says Dr. Silver.
Restylane is better for fine lines and wrinkles while
Perlane is reserved for deeper facial lines.
Cost: Injections of Restylane and Perlane average
around $300 to $500 per syringe.
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